Beijing
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At a glance
- Country
- China
- Region
- Beijing
- Population
- 21.9 million
- Best time to go
- April to May, September to October
- Main airport
- Beijing Capital International (PEK)
- Coordinates
- 39.90°N, 116.41°E
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Overview
China's capital has been the seat of emperors for centuries, and its imperial heart still lies on a grand north–south axis through the Forbidden City. Around it spreads a vast modern metropolis of ring roads, glass towers and futuristic stadiums.
The magic is in the contrast. Spend the morning in palace courtyards, the afternoon in the narrow hutong alleys, and the evening over Peking duck, with the Great Wall an easy day trip away.
Things to see
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Photo: Pixelflake, CC BY-SA 3.0 Forbidden City
The immense palace of the Ming and Qing emperors, a maze of golden-roofed halls and courtyards. Book ahead.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Shujianyang, CC BY-SA 4.0 Temple of Heaven
A serene park of cypress trees around the circular, triple-roofed hall where emperors prayed for good harvests.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0 Summer Palace
Imperial gardens, pavilions and a long painted corridor curving around Kunming Lake.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0 Tiananmen Square
The world's largest public square, flanked by the Great Hall of the People and the Mao Mausoleum.
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Photo: xiquinhosilva, CC BY 2.0 Lama Temple
A working Tibetan Buddhist temple thick with incense, home to a giant Buddha carved from a single tree.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: Velatrix, CC0 Walk the Great Wall at Mutianyu
A restored, forested section with watchtowers and a toboggan ride down, quieter than Badaling.
Find tours -
Photo: Geoff McKim, CC BY-SA 2.0 Explore the hutongs
Wander the old alleys around Houhai and Nanluoguxiang, or hire a bike to see courtyard life.
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Photo: City Foodsters, CC BY 2.0 Eat Peking duck
Crisp, lacquered duck carved at the table and wrapped in thin pancakes with spring onion and sauce.
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Photo: Cory M. Grenier, CC BY-SA 2.0 798 Art Zone
Former factories turned into galleries, studios and cafés in the north-east of the city.
Where to stay
Dongcheng
Central and historic, with courtyard hotels close to the Forbidden City and hutongs.
Hotels in DongchengHouhai
Lakeside and atmospheric, with bars and old alleys. Lively at night.
Hotels in HouhaiSanlitun
Modern and international, with the best restaurants, shopping and nightlife.
Hotels in SanlitunQianmen
South of Tiananmen, handy for the main sights and the Temple of Heaven.
Hotels in Qianmen
Getting around
The subway is cheap, fast and signed in English. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before you arrive, and carry your passport for ticket checks.
The Airport Express train links Capital Airport with the city in about 30 minutes; the newer Daxing Airport has its own express line.
When to go
Spring and autumn are the best seasons, with clear skies and mild weather. Summers are hot and humid, winters cold and dry, and the national holidays in early May and October are very crowded.
Plan your trip to Beijing
- HotelsBooking.com
- Tours and ticketsGetYourGuide
- FlightsKiwi.com
- Attraction ticketsTiqets
- Airport parking, lounges and transfersHoliday Extras
- Flight and hotel dealslastminute.com
- Car hireAuto Europe
- Adventure travel insuranceWorld Nomads
- Mobile data (eSIM)AiraloCode DAN9406 for money off
- GuidebooksAmazon
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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.
Over to you
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